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We were created to rule. Man was created by Almighty God to represent God over Creation, but when man fell he lost that total authority. He lost a lot when he fell. He still longs to rule and control, and dominate, and even manipulate, but he no longer has that initial power of God.

When man fell he fell a long way – much further than many are willing to acknowledge and admit and confess.

That is why this world is in such a mess. Know why.

That is what Jesus Christ came to deal with – Acts Chapter 10 and verse 38 – God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with power and he went around healing people, and clearing up and cleaning up some of the mess.

We are reading and studying John Chapter 11 but there are other very relevant passages that we need to keep in mind.

Lazarus has been dead four days, and Jesus orders that the stone be taken away from the grave. A dead body would now be decaying and the odour would normally and naturally be strong.

“It will be bad.” When it came to the crunch, Martha, who had said so much in her confession of faith, now, could not believe. Martha is swamped by unbelief.

“Lord, do you realise what you are doing?”

Jesus Christ always knows what He is doing, but He does not mind if we argue with Him or question Him or challenge His decisions, provided we realise that we do not win!

v.40 – Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?

Whose words are you going to hold onto – your word of unbelief – or my word of power and faith and authority and victory? Whose?

One day this body of ours will be a decaying mess. We can dress it up just now, but a week after we die – well – but Jesus Christ has the last and final word over disease and death and decay. “Take away the stone.”

Jesus is constantly wanting people to co-operate with him.

The Holy Spirit does not control us like machines. Take up your bed and walk. Go and wash, and a blind man sees.

Verse 41 – The grave is opened. Jesus begins to pray. He looks up to heaven. His eyes are open. He begins to thank the Father before the answer comes!

Now remember, his aim it two fold – 1. the glory of God verses 4,15, and,

2. To increase the faith of men. Jesus Christ wants to glorify the Father, and He wants to help his disciples to believe.

Verse 43 – “Lazarus, come forth.” “Lazarus, come out”, and a bandaged figure emerges.

Martha and Mary never thought they would ever see their brother again, but when Jesus Christ is around, miracles happen. Loose him. Untie the bandages. Set him free. Then let him go home. Don’t exhibit or parade him.

Verse 45 – Many of the Jews, who only a little while prior to this had been mourning with Martha and Mary, now came to believe in Jesus, when they saw the miracle that He did. We do need to see miracles at times. We need signs and wonders.

But some reacted in an opposite way. They were closed to the miraculous moving of God, and they displayed all that is negative and sinful.

Even if someone is raised from the dead, crowds do not come to the place of obedient faith. It is for some, only a seven day wonder, and they soon began to explain it all away.

There is another lesson for us here. God draws a veil across death, and what happens after death, and in areas where God says, “Leave well alone”, don’t be nosey or curious. It is very wise not to enquire! Many get into serious trouble when they enquire into areas which almighty god has expressly forbidden.

There is a danger here and some people discover the danger when it is too late.

This is the sin and evil and wickedness and tragedy of spiritualism. The Bible clearly warns and strongly discourages us from seeking to communicate with the dead. Our land has been flooded with this over these past years. Take heed to the warnings which God gives in His Word.

We place our faith and trust in the risen and living and ascended Lord Jesus Christ and not in anyone else, nor in anything else.

We have not a single word from Lazarus. All we need to know is in Jesus, and from Jesus, and He is the one who can raise us up, and give us life.

Let Jesus minister to you now, and give you peace where there may be fear. Let Jesus Christ speak to you in your situation and give you life – as He touches you – reassures you – refreshes you – refills you – strengthens you – and loves you.

And, whatever Jesus says to you, co-operate with him. To those who are His, He is so gracious and merciful and powerful and compassionate.

Receive all that He has for you today.

"Voice of Inspiration" from Andy Castro

A Lot Of Salt